The morning air carried a damp chill as Aedric made his way through the crowded streets of Velmire's market district. The city was waking up, merchants calling out their wares, and workers hauling goods to and from the docks. But beneath the surface of everyday life, tension simmered.
The Red Vipers were on edge. Last night's planted token had set a chain of events in motion, and now the assassins were searching for answers. Aedric had no doubt that they would soon suspect one of their own.
But the real threat wasn't just the Vipers. Someone in the city was feeding them information, guiding their movements. That was the missing piece Aedric needed to find.
Seris walked a few steps behind him, blending into the flow of people. Her sharp eyes scanned the streets, searching for any sign of trouble. Tessa had taken up a different position, watching from the rooftops in case anything went wrong.
Aedric stopped at a fruit stall, pretending to examine a cluster of grapes. "We need to be careful," he murmured, keeping his gaze ahead. "If the informant realizes we're watching, they'll disappear."
Seris leaned against the stall casually. "Any idea who we're looking for?"
Aedric recalled the assassin from last night. "The man who took the message was heading toward the market. Someone here is involved."
He handed the merchant a few copper coins, taking a handful of grapes before moving deeper into the market.
They had to watch for signs—subtle exchanges, nervous glances, unusual movements. Aedric knew that professional informants didn't make things obvious, but there were always patterns if one knew where to look.
He spotted a group of street urchins darting between stalls, swiping small items when they thought no one was looking. A beggar sat near a fountain, murmuring prayers to passing nobles in hopes of spare change.
Then his gaze landed on a hooded figure near a tailor's shop, standing unnaturally still despite the bustling crowd around them. The man's stance was tense, his eyes darting from person to person as if expecting someone.
Aedric nudged Seris. "There. The one near the tailor's."
Seris barely shifted her gaze. "You think he's our informant?"
"I think he's waiting for someone," Aedric said.
As if on cue, another figure approached the hooded man. This one was younger, dressed as a merchant's apprentice. He handed over a small wrapped bundle before walking away without a word.
Aedric didn't hesitate. "Follow the apprentice. I'll keep an eye on the informant."
Seris nodded, slipping into the crowd like a shadow.
Aedric adjusted his pace, trailing the hooded man as he moved away from the tailor's shop. He kept a safe distance, blending in with the market-goers. The man walked with purpose, his steps quick but measured.
Then, just as he turned a corner into a side alley, he hesitated.
Aedric's instincts flared. He knows he's being followed.
Before he could react, the hooded man bolted.
Aedric swore under his breath and took off after him. The chase led them through twisting alleys and narrow passages, past startled merchants and workers carrying crates. The man was fast, but Aedric was faster.
He cut through a side path, anticipating the man's route. When the informant rounded the corner, Aedric was already there.
The man skidded to a halt, eyes wide with panic. He reached for a dagger, but Aedric moved first, grabbing his wrist and twisting it sharply. The blade clattered to the ground.
Aedric forced him against the wall. "Who are you working for?"
The man struggled, his breath ragged. "I don't know what you're talking about—"
Aedric tightened his grip. "Don't lie to me. The Red Vipers are hunting someone, and you're helping them."
The man clenched his jaw, but fear flickered in his eyes. "I— I'm just a messenger."
"Then tell me who's sending the messages."
The man hesitated, his gaze darting toward the alley's entrance. He was calculating, weighing his options.
Aedric leaned in. "The Vipers don't tolerate mistakes. If they think you've been compromised, they'll kill you."
That did it. The man swallowed hard. "I don't know their real name," he admitted. "They only call themselves 'The Raven.'"
Aedric frowned. "Where do you meet them?"
"There's a storage house near the east docks," the man said quickly. "That's where I leave the messages."
Aedric studied him for a moment before releasing his grip. The man sagged against the wall, rubbing his wrist.
"Leave the city," Aedric warned. "If I see you working for them again, I won't be so forgiving."
The man nodded hastily before disappearing down the alley.
Aedric exhaled and turned back toward the market. 'The Raven.' Another piece of the puzzle. And now, he had a place to start.